Belgium Air Force take over NATO's Air Policing mission in Iceland
NATO Allied Air Command
Aug 19 2025
RAMSTEIN, Germany -- The Belgium Air Force take over NATO's Air Policing mission in Iceland, replacing the Spanish Air and Space Force.
For the first time the Belgium Air Force have deployed to Keflavik Air Base, Iceland, under NATO's Air Policing mission to provide Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland's Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ASIC IPPN).
The Belgium Air Force detachment will consist of four F16 fighters and around 100 supporting personnel. The detachment will remain on Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) in Iceland until Mid-September, 2025, where fighter controllers will work closely with the Icelandic Coast Guard and personnel from "Loki," the Control and Reporting Centre in Keflavik, to help safeguard NATO airspace in the Arctic region.
"This deployment demonstrates our continued commitment to NATO's Air Policing mission" said Major Artiges, Belgian Detachment Commander. "This will be the first time in Iceland and we look forward to the challenging operating environment and training opportunities it will provide us" he added.
The Belgium detachment will replace the Spanish Air and Space Force EF/A-18M Hornet fighters who have been in Iceland since July, 2025. The detachment will conduct routine QRA intercepts, airspace surveillance and identification flights, as well as integrated training missions with NATO Allies.
The mission is specific and unique to Iceland, and since 2008, Allies have routinely conducted air surveillance missions over Iceland as part of NATO's commitment to Iceland's security and defence. Given Iceland's geographic location, Allies, in conjunction with the Icelandic authorities, have agreed to maintain a periodic presence of NATO fighter to help keep Icelandic airspace safe and secure.
Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office
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